Manchester City are in full control of proceedings at the Amex stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion, boasting a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Kevin De Bruyne put Pep Guardiola’s side in the lead with a spectacular diving header. But there was nothing spectacular about Phil Foden’s first goal of the night as his poor free-kick effort cannoned off the wall and found its way into the back of the net.
However, former City left-back Gael Clichy has questioned why the officials even gave the free-kick.
Should Manchester City have even been given a free-kick for Phil Foden’s first goal at Brighton?
Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, Clichy stated “it’s the wrong call from the Ref”.
"It's the wrong call from the Ref…" ?
Gaël Clichy on Phil Foden's milestone goal for Manchester City ? pic.twitter.com/ZYJpq5LsnR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 25, 2024
As you can see from the replays there was minimal contact, if any at all. It’s certainly not a dive either from Foden; he looks like he loses his footing and slips.
Despite getting help from large elements of fortune with the free-kick decision and then the deflection, Foden won’t care as he earned his 15th goal of the Premier League campaign. And eight minutes later he added a 16th when he pounced on some terrible playing out from the back from Brighton.
Manchester City are now in a strong position to win yet another Premier League title – the Citizens are one point behind league leaders Arsenal and they possess a game in hand on the Gunners.
Meanwhile, it looks a very long road back for Liverpool. After a rare defeat against Everton in midweek, Jurgen Klopp’s men are two points behind City and three behind Arsenal.